Relative abundance of synanthropic flies with associated parasites and pathogens in Minna Metropolis, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

Synanthropic flies constitute a global problem. They are responsible for the transmission of wide varieties of protozoan parasites and other pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and fungi in human and animals. This study was carried out to investigate parasite and pathogens associated with synanthropic flies in Bosso, Chanchaga and Maikunkele in Minna from 4 sampling sites, abattoir, dump sites, open fields and kitchens. The flies were collected with locally designed traps between April and August, 2014. A total of 682 synanthropic flies were sampled and 6 different species identified. Flies identified were Musca domestica 252 (36.95%), Musca sorbens 32(4.92%), Fannia cannicularis 137 (20.09%), Sarcophaga sp 164 (24.05%) while Phormia regina and Stomoxys calcitrans are 24 (3.52%) and 75 (10.10%) respectively. In all the locations, Musca domestica has the highest population 252 (36.95%) and Phormia regina 24 (3.52%) the least. Five parasites and four bacteria were isolated from the flies which include Entamoeba histolytica 30 (53.57%), Ascaris lumbricoides 8 (14.29%), Strongyloides stercoralis 6 (10.71), Hookworm ova 5 (8.93%) and Trichiuris trichiura 7 (12.50%). Bacteria isolated are Streptococcus, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Bacillus and Klebsiella species. Results showed that synanthropic flies pose a serious health risk to the inhabitants of Minna Metropolis and therefore need to be controlled.

Keywords: synanthropic flies, parasites, pathogens, viruse, fungi